The Bankrate Cost of Living Calculator is a user-friendly tool designed to help individuals compare living expenses between two metropolitan areas in the United States. By inputting your current income, along with your current and prospective cities, the calculator estimates the equivalent salary needed in the new location to maintain your existing standard of living. It provides a detailed breakdown of costs across various categories, including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and taxes, offering a comprehensive view of how expenses can vary geographically.

This calculator is particularly useful for those considering relocation, whether for career opportunities, lifestyle changes, or retirement planning. It allows users to assess whether a potential move is financially viable by highlighting differences in essential and discretionary spending between locations. By leveraging data from reputable sources, the tool offers insights that can inform salary negotiations and budgeting decisions, ensuring that users are well-prepared for the financial implications of moving to a new city.